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Best Dispersed Camping near Ridgecrest, CA

112 Reviews

Dispersed camping on public lands surrounds Ridgecrest, California, with several free BLM-managed areas including Trona Pinnacles, Wagon Wheel Staging Area, and Fossil Falls dry lake bed. These primitive sites require no reservations and offer varying degrees of seclusion in the Mojave Desert landscape. Additional dispersed camping can be found at nearby OHV areas such as Jawbone Canyon and Spangler Hills, where campers can establish temporary sites on undeveloped terrain.

Accessing these primitive camping areas typically requires navigation on dirt or gravel roads with variable conditions. As one camper noted about Trona Pinnacles, "The dirt road is worrisome, but it worked out fine with my Tesla model Y." Many sites recommend high-clearance vehicles, especially for reaching more remote locations. No drinking water is available at these sites, and most lack formal facilities beyond occasional vault toilets. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans often in effect during summer months. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on BLM lands.

The desert camping experience near Ridgecrest features dramatic landscapes and excellent stargazing opportunities. Trona Pinnacles provides an otherworldly setting with unusual tufa formations rising from the desert floor. "A very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space," reported one visitor, adding that "It's easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area." Many sites experience strong winds and extreme temperature variations between day and night. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with some areas having no connectivity. Visitors consistently mention the need to pack out all trash, as litter has become problematic in more accessible areas. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly jackrabbits and various desert birds.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ridgecrest, California (25)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ridgecrest, CA

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ridgecrest, CA

112 Reviews of 25 Ridgecrest Campgrounds

  • Emily C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    Monarch-Rand Mine

    Quiet, Peaceful

    Quiet place, we only saw one other set of campers. The warm sun the next morning was beautiful but there is next to no vegetation. Additionally, this campsite has nothing so take what you need and leave no trace! It worked for a night. The road in is kind of weird as it runs parallel to another road similar, we drove along one and would alternate to try and avoid bad potholes. Some are inevitable and I would imagine high clearance is needed to access.

  • Mike N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Great hideaway

    Great hideaway with plenty of dispersed sites. I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks. Pack in, pack out. No toilets, showers, or water so bring in everything you need. 14 days of free camping every 30 days. A great find to get away from it all.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2023

    East Mojave Camp

    Very very remote

    Very remote absolutely nothing out there. Definitely somewhere you need to be aware of your surroundings. You can get far enough away from the highway that you don’t need to worry about people driving by. There is nothing out here. The road to it is unmarked and very unmaintained Would definitely recommend high clearance vehicle if you want to be further away then 100 feet from the highway. Lots of wash outs. Beautiful sunrise. We were the only people there.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2024

    Ballarat Ghost Town

    I think I was in the right spot.

    Campground had some nice spots for dry camping. I planned to stay on BLM land off the road but this seemed part of the ghost town private property. It was late and I was confused..I need to go back and donate $5.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    BLM Desert Site

    Great spot

    I wasn’t sure when driving out here at night in a minivan, but the dirt road didn’t give me any trouble and I still had some service with Verizon. It’s a great little secluded spot about 4 miles off the highway in the desert. I missed the sunset but caught a beautiful sunrise.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area — Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Jawbone Canyon OHV

    This is BLM land camping in an OHV area that we used for an overnight. For this purpose it was great. A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon. There were a few OHVs but we arrived late on a weekday and OHV traffic stopped altogether in the evening. Wind was a problem and made sleeping hard. We camped in a 24’ travel trailer with a high clearance truck. While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions. There are sites that would be accessible by car as well just be more discerning. Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time.

  • l
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Not Great

    Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.

    Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.

    If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.

    Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.

    If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.

  • Amy and Alan R.
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Trona Pinnacles

    Magical Landscape

    A very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space. I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here. There is so much room and a huge choice when camping here, there isn’t however, potable water or shade unless you bring your own. Amazing views and stunning sunsets. Pretty decent star gazing as well, tho there are lights from Trona it’s self and a glow of light on the horizon to the south. We spent a few days camping with family here. It’s easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area. There is one pit toilet at the main parking area and some people to camp there as well. Close to Spangler Hills Off Rd area as well.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville Dispersed

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

Guide to Ridgecrest

Rustic camping near Ridgecrest, California offers primitive outdoor accommodations in a high desert environment at elevations ranging from 2,000-3,500 feet. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Wind conditions in this region can be particularly intense, with campers reporting gusts exceeding 40-50 mph in exposed areas.

What to do

Explore geological formations: The Trona Pinnacles area features unusual tufa spires created by ancient underwater springs, providing unique hiking and photography opportunities. "This place is incredible for a few night stay and has plenty of room for all," notes one visitor to Trona Pinnacles.

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer chances to observe desert fauna. At Wagon Wheel Staging Area, campers report seeing "chuckwalla lizards sun on top of the rocks" and even receiving "a visit from a sidewinder rattlesnake." Another camper at Wagon Wheel Staging Area mentioned spotting "a raven nest in there with a baby raven."

Off-road adventures: Multiple OHV areas provide extensive trail networks for various skill levels. A visitor to Jawbone Canyon observed, "Lots of trails to ride - for beginners to advanced. We zipped around in a side by side and everyone was responsible and nice."

What campers like

Dark skies for astronomy: The remote location creates optimal stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. One camper at Fossil Falls dry lake bed reported, "Stars were bright. Saw a jackrabbit while there...thank goodness my dog didn't see him!"

Uncrowded camping: The expansive desert terrain allows for significant spacing between campsites. Regarding Wagon Wheel, a camper noted, "Plenty of space to branch out on your own. There were about 10 other groups there and still had plenty of space!"

Distinctive landscapes: The volcanic terrain and desert vistas create memorable settings. "The black dirt and yellow grass make this a magical place to wake up," wrote one visitor about Fossil Falls, while another at Trona Pinnacles Camp found "a really neat spot right in a little bowl surrounded by pinnacles."

What you should know

Wind conditions: Severe wind is frequently mentioned across all camping areas. "It was extremely windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down," reported a camper at Fossil Falls, while another advised, "Make sure your stuff is tied down tight. Upwards for 40mph thought my roof rack was a goner."

Road accessibility: Access roads range from graded dirt to rough terrain. A visitor to Jawbone Canyon OHV Area explained, "A paved road leads to endless dispersed camping options in a beautifully rugged canyon... While not necessary, the larger truck was nice to have on the dirt portions."

Environmental concerns: Litter has become problematic in easily accessible areas. One camper described Jawbone Canyon as "absolutely filthy because no one in SoCal knows how to clean up after themselves. Trash, ammo, and broken glass absolutely everywhere."

Tips for camping with families

Best timing: Visit during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. A camper at Wagon Wheel advised, "If you have an AC that you can put on during the night, it shouldn't be a problem!" Another warned, "Gorgeous but DON'T GO IN THE SUMMER... the whole day it was about 45 celsius (113f)."

Safety awareness: Educate children about desert wildlife and hazards. One camper at Cuddeback Road Dispersed Camping mentioned the "wide open spaces" which provide room for activities but limited natural shade or protection.

Activity planning: The dry lake beds provide natural play areas. "Perfect for bike or dirt scooter riding or just running around on the lake bed. Perfect for dogs and kids," noted a visitor to Fossil Falls.

Tips from RVers

Level parking: Most dispersed sites offer naturally flat terrain. "We drove our skoolie in and didn't have any trouble with the small bumps and sand," reported a camper at Wagon Wheel Staging Area, while another at Stine Cove noted they "didn't have any trouble coming in and out."

Cell connectivity: Service varies significantly by location and carrier. A visitor to Jawbone Canyon reported "Verizon was at 1 bar the whole time," while at Fossil Falls, "Verizon cell service was great."

Spacing considerations: The open terrain allows for flexible positioning of larger rigs. "There are a few rvs and one tent, but it is so spread out that we never heard them," observed one Wagon Wheel visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the BLM regulations for dispersed camping in the Ridgecrest area?

BLM regulations for dispersed camping near Ridgecrest typically include a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period, as noted at Hanning Flat Dispersed Area. The pack-in, pack-out rule is strictly enforced, as there are no facilities at most sites. Fire restrictions vary by location and season - for example, Chico Flat Dispersed Camping prohibits campfires. Stay on existing roads and camp in previously used sites to minimize environmental impact. Most areas require camping at least 200 feet from water sources. Always check current regulations at the Ridgecrest BLM office before heading out, as rules may change seasonally based on fire danger and other conditions.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Ridgecrest, California?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Ridgecrest. Trona Pinnacles offers free BLM dispersed camping with stunning otherworldly formations and plenty of space to set up camp. The area has no facilities, so bring everything you need. Jawbone Canyon OHV Area provides extensive dispersed camping options along a paved road in a rugged canyon. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Monarch-Rand Mine, BLM Desert Site, East Mojave Camp, and Ballarat Ghost Town. All these locations follow standard BLM dispersed camping protocols - pack in what you need and pack out all trash, as most sites offer no amenities.

Is 4WD required for accessing dispersed camping sites near Ridgecrest?

4WD requirements vary by location. BLM Desert Site is accessible by minivan with about 4 miles of dirt road driving. Similarly, Wagon Wheel Staging Area offers accessible dry camping options. However, some areas like East Mojave Camp feature unmaintained, unmarked roads that may require higher clearance vehicles. For West Keyville Dispersed, campers often drive past developed campgrounds to reach more secluded sites. Road conditions can change rapidly with weather, especially in desert areas. During dry conditions, many sites are accessible with standard vehicles, but high clearance is recommended, and 4WD provides added security, particularly when venturing to more remote locations.

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